Drug interactions
Fentanyl transmucosal + Succinylcholine
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl transmucosal and Succinylcholine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Transmucosal fentanyl produces rapid opioid effects including respiratory depression and sedation, while succinylcholine paralyzes the respiratory muscles. The combination increases the risk of hypoventilation, hypotension and deep sedation. It is manageable only where the airway can be secured.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl transmucosal and Succinylcholine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effects: opioid-induced central respiratory depression combined with neuromuscular paralysis.
What to do
Use only with airway management and ventilation available, and lower the doses of co-administered depressants. Monitor respiratory status and blood pressure continuously.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Succinylcholine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl transmucosal with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl transmucosal and Succinylcholine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Transmucosal fentanyl produces rapid opioid effects including respiratory depression and sedation, while succinylcholine paralyzes the respiratory muscles. The combination increases the risk of hypoventilation, hypotension and deep sedation. It is manageable only where the airway can be secured.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl transmucosal and Succinylcholine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only with airway management and ventilation available, and lower the doses of co-administered depressants. Monitor respiratory status and blood pressure continuously.
What other medicines interact with Succinylcholine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Succinylcholine with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Succinylcholine page.
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